Headlamp reflectors latest ?

[taylormj4]

Hi all,
Noticed that my headlamp reflectors are looking a little tarnished recently. Not sure whether it is corrosion or just loss of the silvering but although OK at last MOT, not sure they will last much longer.

The replacements seem very expensive. Has anyone found any other method, such as re-silvering. Have heard some have tried spray painting but that it can lead to poor beam pattern ?

Thanks.

[chrispitman]

Forget paint dosen't work, search the web for chroming places they will re silver them tho don't know the costs also depend on condition if there badly rusted or pitted. Tho not sure on costs

[Chimister]

Hi,
Had mine re-Chromed after MOT failure last year,cost £30 each,much improved light output,maybe cursing the MOT tester wasn't justified!

Enjoy the headlight removal,it's not bad job just a little time consuming if the adjusters are rusted in place.

[Smudger33uk]

I used Silchrome. From memory it was about £55 + VAT + P&P. Great service and finish.

I'm yet to fit the glass lens. Any tips or tricks? Mines a 97 and were only stuck in with Sikaflex and no gasket.

Edited by Smudger33uk on Thursday 25th April 16:40

[estutjaweh]

Can anyone here tell me if the reflector bowls are the same for both LHD and RHD cars?
I thought they were identical and it was just the lens that changed but I found one online shop that actually seems to list the bowls as LHD!??!

[quattrophenia]

Chimister said:

Hi,
Had mine re-Chromed after MOT failure last year,cost £30 each,much improved light output,maybe cursing the MOT tester wasn't justified!

Enjoy the headlight removal,it's not bad job just a little time consuming if the adjusters are rusted in place.

I take it the beem height needs to be set up by a garage again after you have re-installed the reflectors?

[Barkychoc]

estutjaweh said:

Can anyone here tell me if the reflector bowls are the same for both LHD and RHD cars?
I thought they were identical and it was just the lens that changed but I found one online shop that actually seems to list the bowls as LHD!??!

Depends if the beam is determined by the front lens or the reflector.

[Smudger33uk]

I marked the centre of the beam on the garage wall before dismantling as it had a fresh MOT. Suspect it will need some adjustment but should be within in a nat's c$¥k. If not, I've got nice new adjusters to sort it out

[Chimister]

Tip when fitting the glass,get some rubber/Plastic tubing available from most DIY stores,cut the tubing down the length,not all the way through and feed it around the perimeter of the glass..
The tubing takes up any slack that may be present between the glass and the headlight fixing and also helps when securing in place with your choice of adhesive.
I have tried many other methods any still think that this is the easiest and most practical !

From my experience with the headlight adjustment,most MOT testers will allow some flexibility with the level of the beam,I haven't met a double jointed mechanic yet that wants to feed their arm through the grill for adjustment!,

[taylormj4]

Thanks everyone. Called a few re-silvering places and it seems they all want around 4 weeks to do the work.

On adjusters, I think you can adjust more easily via the hatch in the front wheelarch. Well the adjustment is easier.....removing and re-sealing the hatch doesn't make the overall job any easier !